'Modern Family' Actress Sarah Hyland Defends Selfie (Photo)

"Modern Family" actress Sarah Hyland is defending herself against online criticism after uploading a revealing selfie with her boyfriend.

On Nov. 13, Hyland posted an Instagram selfie with boyfriend Wells Adams. The two are spooning in bed and look like they might be nude; Hyland's dog is also in the picture.

"Two more reasons to smile again," Hyland wrote as a caption.

Yet some fans were unable to share in the star's happiness.

"You can go out with whoever you want," a direct message to Hyland read, HuffPost reports. "But there are limits. Do not you know that some private things must stay private and not be shared with the whole world. KEEP YOUR SEXUAL LIFE PRIVATE. We do not necessarily need to know all the details of your personal life."

ADVERTISEMENT

Thanks for watching!

Others agreed, prompting Hyland to respond.

"Not putting her on blast," responded Hyland. "She just brought to my attention that that picture I posted might have been inappropriate since we’re in bed. So I just have to say I’m so sorry ... FOR POSTING AN ADORABLE PICTURE [BECAUSE] CARL WAS ACTING LIKE THE NUGGETIEST SNUGGLW BUG! Couldn’t let that moment pass without a picture."

ADVERTISEMENT

Thanks for watching!

ADVERTISEMENT

Thanks for watching!

Taking a more serious tone, Hyland continued: "I’ve made the mistake in the past on being way too open and talking way too much about [my relationships]," she said. "This time is different. It’s special. And I will share what I [deem] 'appropriate' on social media because I still want you all to be updated. Because you guys are the greatest fans in the world."

Later, Hyland also responded to accusations that she was nude in the photo.

"You can barely see any skin but it's ok for Instagram models to roll around in the sand ACTUALLY naked?" she wrote. "(I mean I'd post that too if I looked like that) My point is don't be hypocrites. Either be conservative on all fronts or FREE THE NIPPLE."

Some applauded Hyland for her stance.

"The people that sent you DM's are sad & lonely," commented one person under the original Instagram shot. "This photo is adorable! And I can never understand why people think it's ok to tell other people what they can & cannot post on their own Instagram page. Get a life."

"They're a cute couple and who cares if they post a pic in bed.. nothing explicit shown," added another individual in the Daily Mail's comments section. "Far less than most girls post these days half naked."